(7/2025) Summer's here and so are the cookouts, picnics, pool parties and smore's campfires. We all know how easy it is to over indulge at the summer gatherings, even if we are so sure we will be good and watch what we eat. There's so much to choose from and so many different kinds of dishes and desserts we think we just have to try them all and we usually do. Here's a few tips to enable you to sample the variety of delicacies without sabotaging your weight.

One thing to do is eat a little something before you leave your house. Try eating some veggies, a little yogurt, a protein bar or perhaps a small sandwich of peanut butter or and egg sandwich. The sandwiches will help fill you up while giving you protein. Other foods low in carbs and calories will help keep you from eating as much at the event you are going to. Most of the time people bring dishes to a summer party that are poplar and that people like but don't make at home on a regular basis. While these dishes are very well liked and are pleasing to everyone there, they can be high in calories, sugar and carbs that add up to eating much more than you normally would.

Another thing you can do to prevent eating more than you intended to is to drink a glass of water when you get to the picnic. We don't always realize how dehydrated we get when we are outside in the heat. By the time you feel thirsty you are already getting dehydrated. Drinking water before and during your meal can help you feel fuller and may help from overeating.

Sometimes the variety of food is just too hard to resist. I know you want to try everything but that can lead to feeling stuffed and uncomfortable. If the event is an all day thing perhaps you can try some dishes at lunch and different ones at dinner time. Doing this will give you a chance to sample everything you want to without feeling uncomfortable. Another way is to only take a little of the things you really want and pass over the food you have tried before. New dishes are always tempting and this way you get to try something you have never had before.

One more way to avoid eating too much and feeling stuffed is to make a plate after the meal is over and everyone else is finished. You could ask the host if they would mind if you take a little something home because you really wanted to sample everything but just couldn't eat that much at once. I'm sure they wouldn't mind sending the leftovers home with their guests. Most of the time people are glad to send desserts and food home so they do not have it tempting them.

Summer gatherings are so much fun but don't let them put you in the habit of overeating. If you are watching your weight don't let summer outings get you off track. Be strong and sensible about what and how much you put on your plate. If you do over indulge a time or two go for a walk or get others at the event to get some exercise. Play a game of basketball, go swimming, play tennis or whatever you can to work off some of the extra calories.

Enjoy your summer and remember to "Keep Moving", you'll be glad you did.